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“I’ll get over it” – Paddy Gallagher promises to go again


Paddy Gallagher [15(9)-5(0)] claims his head is ‘melted’ after what he believes were two dubious knockdowns ruined his ‘coming out party’.

Yet, in true ‘Pat Man’ fashion, the welterweight is adamant his passion for the sport hasn’t waned and declared defeat is not the end of the world.

The Belfast puncher travelled to London last Friday hoping to claim the WBO European ranking title and a spot in the World top 15 with victory at the York Hall.

However, what should have been a dream start to 2019 turned into a bit of a nightmare as Gallagher suffered a 95-94, 95-93, 95-95 majority decision defeat to Freddy Kiwitt – with two knockdowns scored by the Liberian-born, London-based German ultimately proving vital.

While 29-year-old Gallagher took defeat on the chin, he remains somewhat upset over both visits to the canvas being ruled as knockdowns.

Speaking to Irish-Boxing.com the BBBoC and BUI Celtic title winner suggests he was on his way to the floor off balance regardless on both occasions – and whilst he understands the referee was within his rights to give him a count as punches were landed, he felt he could have been given the benefit of the doubt.

“I watched the fight and I was very unfortunate. The two knockdowns were weak but they are a matter of opinion. I would have went down even without the punches but there was punches nonetheless,” he explained.

“I think it was dicky from the ref, he said after the first one he knew I was off balance but had to count – it’s a benefit of the doubt kind of thing.”

“Then when the second one was as bad if not worse. He counted me still knowing it was close enough and would be a deciding factor and has already gave one against me – benefit of the doubt again.”

To make matters worse the Lenadoon fighter claims ‘Pretty Boy’ didn’t have any power behind his punches.

“He was exactly how I thought, he couldn’t punch for shit though and I thought he would have fought a bit more.”

The circumstances of the defeat may have made the reverse more difficult for Gallagher to take. However, having been there multiple times before, the jovial character is well aware it’s not game over.

The entertaining fighter knows he faces a period of pain but is confident he will get over it and enjoy success once again.

Gallagher admitted that “I’ve been melted about it but that’s the sport.”

“It’s hard to accept a defeat especially when it should have been my ‘coming out party’, so it is a bit of a melt.”

“I’ll decide and know what’s next in the few next week. With other people a loss is the end of the world but this is my fifth unfortunately so I’ll get over it. I just love boxing.”

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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